“I took the risk, I know many will take offense but I had no other way to tell the truth that many had been so deluded to believe,” declares Mike Portes when asked about the Minsan May Isang Puta. It’s a short piece that uses a first-person narrative technique that speaks directly to its reader. The voice is even pedestrian that in its familiar tone the reader is simply drawn to it. The voice simply asks that you listen as if an old friend or relative is about to tell a story. It is a story that found thousands of listening ears since it first appeared in 2004.

The story is at once familiar yet enigmatic. In “re-telling the truth through the words of a loving mother and by using sex as an impulse zone” is perhaps what makes it fresh, intimate and endearing. Portes was already a mother of two when she worked on Minsan May Isang Puta and would have added the realistic, not imagined or distantiated, tone of a mother’s lament in the story—a layer that was underscored in the 2007 version. It is a voice and a layer that resonates among many Filipinos, and reinvigorated the interest on the piece. Portes has always been passionate about writing, yet never neglecting her social and moral obligations. Portes wants the people who chance upon her work “to bring something with them each and every time.”

One of the uncalculated effects of writing a piece that takes up a familiar and much abused figure is how it would affect creativity in another person, in another medium. The story was already in circulation and received much following when Sarah Roxas chanced upon it through the internet. The mother’s lament touched Sarah and felt the “pain and love for her children.” To her mind, “it would make a really good short film.”

One could say it was a fortuitous turn of events that brought Portes and Roxas together to turn Minsan May Isang Puta into a film. Portes was at a point where she was questioning the point of it all, while Roxas was determined to pick it up and try her hand on films. It was an opportunity to further seal the cultic, if not classic, status of the story.

The Dove Files by Mike Portes with an entire chapter on the movie, GANAP NA BABAE (Garden of Eve)[ Photo by Maria Jose – click picture for a larger image ]

Film is an interesting medium. The elements that go into writing—the voice, the character, the breathing, the lighting, the sound, the language—all those are present physically. All that is tacit in the text and the choices made by the writer that affect a reader come to a visual reality, approximating life, as it were. For Portes, the visual stimulation that a film affords might have just been the rebound that she needed at that point of her writing life. She saw it as “a blatant sign that my life was precious and that I should make full use of my gifts.”

The film adaptation may have ruffled some feminists (example Three Eves, Philippine Daily Inquirer article) but that only testifies to how effective the material is. Portes contends “that woman was never created to be subservient to the double standards of society. The lessons in the film are meant for spiritual introspection since society proliferates with dogma [sic] that serve perverted purposes.” Birds, as it were, fly low for differing reasons.

Minsan May Isang Puta is included in Portes’ recently published book The Dove Files, which collects her “popular and new writings in Filipino, Taglish and English” The book takes up both the traditional symbolism of the dove—patience, peace, love, emancipation, hope—and the Filipino euphemism for prostitutes. The book includes pieces “that endeavor to understand and honor the past and the present in order to face the future in full frontal. No sugar coating. No delusions.”

Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve), a three-part feature movie about women by women directors, helmed by directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxaswill be screened in the US this fall. In San Francisco Bay area, the film is part of FACINE/19 and will be shown on October 27, 12pm at the War Memorial Center, 6655 Mission Street, Daly City. The screening is open and free to the public.

HUBO Productions has entered an agreement to support the production of Solito Arts’ Baybayin, an official selection of the upcoming Cinema One Originals slated to be held on November 2012.

Baybayin, by Auraeus Solito, is the second installment of a trilogy that engages the indigenous Palawan culture and philosophy, the first one being Busong. Baybayin is the tale of two half sisters both in love with a man who is unable to hear or talk to them, proving that love can communicate even in silence. It is inspired by Palawan’s local legends and hopes to dramatize the Palawan script as well. The film stars the de Rossi sisters, Assunta and Alessandra.

HUBO Board Member Ida Ceniza-Tiongson was instrumental in this new collaboration. Solito, on signing up HUBO’s support for his latest film project remarked, “The meeting with Ida was serendipitous in a way. I felt that HUBO is a group of people that respects artistic integrity of filmmakers.” Further he acknowledges that HUBO has produced progressive and meaningful films before.

About Solito Arts

Solito Arts is Auraeus Solito’s company. He is an acclaimed and award-winning filmmaker who rose to international fame with his first feature film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros). His last film Busong was presented at the prestigious Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. He was recently chosen to be part of Take 100, The Future of Film, a book published by Phaidon Press, New York that presented an emerging generation of the most talented filmmakers around the world.

About HUBO Productions

HUBO Productionsis an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

Ida Tiongson (center) together with the Director and the Cast of Baybayin

HUBO Productions and UNO Magazine (5 Leaf Publishing Co., Inc.) has signed an agreement to produce a video production that will accompany UNO Magazine’s 9th Anniversary issue. For this, the team of UNO has planned a commemorative special collector’s edition issue and a grand celebration. UNO has chosen the theme of “UNOversity — Back to Basics” for the festivities. UNO Magazine Managing Director Maan Ilustre exclaims “UNOversity theme is a Grand Alumni Homecoming of anything and everything UNO.

It is a Pep Rally of sorts for everything we have done. We are closing the chapter of the last 9 years and entering a new exciting era.” She further expressed excitement with this initial collaboration with HUBO. Ida Ceniza-Tiongson, HUBO board member, represented HUBO in sealing the partnership. Says Ceniza-Tiongson “HUBO has always been open to collaboration that would challenge and expand our artistic reach and this venture is one of them. We are delighted to be working with UNO.” The celebration will be kicked-off by a Grand Alumni Homecoming party on August 29, which will bring back the top and hottest previous UNO cover girls.

UNO Magazine is a men’s lifestyle magazine that covers men’s interest that ranges from women, sports, cars and other vehicles, gadgets, career, fashion to fitness. It aims to publish relevant topics that its target market will find fun, useful, inspirational and intelligent.

HUBO Productions, on its sixth year, sees this project as an expansion from its core film ventures to solidify its multi-media status. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films, with two that are in post-production work. It has ventured to produce a soundtrack that featured emerging Philippine independent bands, co-presented theatre works both in New York City and Manila, and supported other independent films and music video. HUBO has also championed a visual arts exhibition in Salt Lake City, Utah, sponsored a dance festival in Seattle, and has been instrumental in organizing a fitness flashmob in the Philippines.

Arch Oboler’s nail-biting, cautionary yet fun fable Night of the Auk is being restaged in this year’s 16th Annual New York International Fringe Festival. The new production marks the continuing collaboration between Outside Inside and HUBO Productions, the tandem that presented Michael Ross Albert’s Chagrin during the 15th (2011) installment of the same festival.

This Night of the Auk is presented in a sleek 75-minute one-act adaptation of the original 1956 Broadway play produced by the legendary Kermit Bloomgarden and directed by Sidney Lumet, and which starred Christopher Plummer, Claude Rains, and Dick York. The story takes place in a rocket ship returning to earth after its first successful lunar expedition, and the characters in the voyage found themselves in the advent of atomic age where the human species is on the brink of extinction. Directed by Adam Levi with co-direction by Kaitlyn Samuel, this new production stars Outside Inside ensemble members Michael Ross Albert, Lash Dooley, Suzy Kimball, Hannah Timmons, and Brian Rhinehart.

Arch Oboler is regarded as a key innovator of radio drama who sealed his reputation in the radio horror series Lights Out. Though he generated attention with his radio scripts, his output extended to films, theatre and television. His screen credits include Escape (1940) and On Our Merry Way (1948). His pioneering and innovative works have influenced the likes of Rod Seriling, François Truffaut and Don Coscarelli.

Night of the Auk will run at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street) in Venue #10 of The New York International Fringe Festival on the following dates: August 10 @ 5pm, August 11 @ 9:45pm, August 16 @ 4:45pm, August 17 @ 7:30pm, and August 18 @ 5:30pm. For a detailed performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.fringenyc.org or call 866.468.7619.

Outside Inside is a New York City based theatre company, founded by co-artistic directors Michael Ross Albert, Adam Levi, and Kaitlyn Samuel. The company and its artists are dedicated to the independent production of exciting new works for the stage.

HUBO is an independent group of people who pursue ways to expose the complexity of the individual. As a collective, HUBO is focused, innovative, compassionate and committed to explore creativity and test the limits of known boundaries and forms of expression. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means, and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar. Two of its founders, Will Fredo and Greg Macaraeg, have recently been recognized by Press Photographers Philippines-USA and Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. as among 100 Outstanding Filipino-Americans for their contribution to the movie and entertainment field.

Independent band Jeepney Joyride’s “AYOKO NA SA IYO” (I Don’t Want You Anymore) music video is nominated for Best Music Video inCastpel Music Media Awards 2012. The video was directed and conceived by young cinematographer Gian Caluag. The quirky video which showcases the band’s “ska” brass music style also features actors Empoy Marquez, Steph Lim, Ramon Bautista, Karla Vizvarra and Karen “Dylan” Vizcarra. Lead singer Norman Bernardo‘s personality and vocals complete the catchy tune.

HUBO Productions’ resident director Will Fredo shares, “we are proud to have been part of supporting young artists like Gian Caluag. Championing efforts such as this, a well conceived and well thought out music video, is something in our mission. Plus, the video actually has that tongue-in-cheek Filipino humor. I love it! I’m happy for the band. Getting nominated is already wonderful given there are so many music videos coming out every year in Manila.”

“We’ve recognized the power of independent bands before by showcasing them in the soundtrack of our movie SA PAGDAPO NG MARIPOSA. We actually have done some mini-tours all over Manila to promote the movie and the bands (learn more about Brave New Music ). We know that there’s so much music talent in the Philippines and we’re honored to have worked with some good indie ones,”Gregory Macaraeg, HUBO Productions’ president added.

Castpel Music Media Awards, like HUBO Productions, aims to support and promote independent artists. According to their organization’s website,

“The Castpel Music Media Awards is the brainchild of Captivemedia Corp. Its aim is to recognize a band’s accomplishment in the creation and promotion of music using a digital medium. With the accessibility of software and music technology for end-users, the local independent music industry is burgeoning. Our belief is to filter the most talented independent bands and validate their excellence with an award. It may get them signed by a large recording label. It may give them fame and fortune. But most important, it will inspire them and others to push the envelope and create great music.”

Now that the nominees have been announced, there’s a voting process that would help Castpel narrow down the list from each category to 10. The 1st Castpel Music Media Awards 2012 will be announced July 7, 2012 at a big concert celebration in Manila.

Here’s the link to VOTE for your favorite music video and other categories. And please vote for Jeepney Joyride’s AYOKO NA SA IYO.

Chagrin takes place outside of a small town hospital, where four estranged friends are unexpectedly reunited. Fifteen years ago, these child geniuses rose to mega-stardom on a popular TV game show. Now, brought together by a tragic accident, they must grapple with their collective past in the place where it all began – Chagrin Falls.

Chagrin performs at The First Floor Theater at the historic LaMaMa (74A East 4th Street between 2nd Avenue and Bowery). For performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.nycfringe.org or call 866.468.7619.

Outside Inside presents Chagrin as its inaugural production. Founded in 2011 by graduates of the Actors Studio Drama School, Outside Inside’s mission is to produce new plays written, directed, and performed according to the tenets of the influential Stanislavsky “System,” and the philosophies of the world-renowned Actors Studio.

In the company’s first production, recent graduates of the Actors Studio Drama School’s MFA program come together to perform this humorous and heartbreaking story of failed friendship. The acting company is comprised of artists from Australia, Canada and the United States.

Michael Ross Albert is the author of several one-act plays, including For the Winter (35th Annual Samuel French OOB Short Play Contest), Starfishes (Theatre at Dance New Amsterdam), and Karenin’s Anna (Standard Deviation Theatre Company). His full-length plays include Tough Jews, and Pillars of Salt (In the Beginning Festival, HGJTC), and Chagrin (NY International Fringe Festival). Michael received his MFA in Playwriting at the Actors Studio Drama School. He is an associate member of the Dramatists Guild of America.www.michaelrossalbert.com

The daughter of theater exemplars Shamaine Centenera- Buencamino and Noni Buencamino, Delphine is a force to be reckoned with on her own. A theater scholar of the Philippine High School for the Arts in 2007, this rising talent recently essayed the lead role of “Zafira” in Dulaang UP’s Orosman at Zafira of 2010 and “Juli” in 2008 run of Isang Panaginip na Fili. As an AB Humanities senior of the Ateneo De Manila University, Delphine will be directing and choreographing her creative thesis, applying Jerzy Grotowski’s theater theory to a contemporary Filipino masterpiece in the said production.

As an AB Humanities senior of the Ateneo De Manila University, Delphine will be directing and choreographing in her creative thesis, applying Jerzy Grotowski’s theater theory to a contemporary Filipino masterpiece in the said production.

Shows are at the Gonzaga Exhibit Hall, 3F Gonzaga Bldg. ADMU, on December 1 and 2 at 5:30 pm and 8:00pm. Admission is free. For inquiries, contact Harry David [09154864614] or Jihad Mariano [09272199997]

Mirror Mates is set in twin, crumbling locations placed side by side on stage. Dressing Room “A” backstage at Maxie’s Fabulous Dinner Theater & The Rec Room at Mega House: Home for the Chronically Mentally Ill. Identical, opposite… and all the hallways overlap.

Each of the actors in Mirror Mates plays two parts; one on each side, except for the actor playing “Wiley,” who works in both locations. By day, he serves up lunch, meds and advice to the residents of Mega House; and by night, he’s the Emergency Stage Manager at Maxie’s …again. These families have fallen on trying times.

It’s tech week at Maxie’s (which is only three days long) and their new director’s original version of a famous musical is nowhere near ready, but is sold out! And there’s been a flood in the dressing room, which is suddenly locked! But the cast is determined to carry on, in spite of the mocktails, except for Rupert, who has “broken his foot” …and bought plane tickets to France. Over at the home, second lunch is off to a rocky start, which is now being served in the Rec Room, due to the “dishwasher-dining room-deep-sea-disaster,” and the residents are up in arms! And their meds are about to change, but the new night shift is guy finally coming in! …eventually. And everyone’s unhappy about the quality of desert!

Yet, Wiley keeps it all together; but what he doesn’t know about a deep-seated connection between the two enterprises …is vast. And over the course of the next three days, things go from bad to impossible at the speed of light. Madness runs rampant; people are not who they seem, and the secrets run deep. But revelations do come, with nuts on top, in a series of startling twists…